What is an inference in reading?

An inference in reading is a conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. When readers make inferences, they go beyond the text's literal words to combine their own knowledge with the information presented by the author. This process allows them to understand deeper meanings, implications, and themes that might not be explicitly stated. For instance, if a character in a story shows signs of sadness without the text explicitly saying they are sad, a reader might infer the character's emotional state based on their actions and dialogue.

The other options do not effectively capture the essence of inference. A fact stated directly by the author is not an inference since it presents information clearly provided in the text. A general opinion about the text does not involve the specific reasoning or evidence that characterizes an inference. A prediction about future events, while related, specifically pertains to anticipating what might happen next rather than drawing conclusions based on existing text and context. Thus, the correct understanding of inference focuses on using evidence to arrive at conclusions that the author may not spell out directly.